Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agronomic practices of rice farmers: A case study in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the changes occurred in agronomic practices during the COVID-19 pandemic among rice farmers in rural and peri-urban areas of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. A survey was conducted among 64 farmers including 32 from rural areas and 32 from peri-urban areas. This study examined the characteristics of farmers, the extent of changes in agronomic practices adopted, problems faced by farmers during the pandemic, strategies adopted to cope with the pandemic situation, and possible solutions. There were significant differences in agronomic practices between rural and peri-urban farmers, with education, training exposure, and extension personnel contact being substantial factors for both the groups. Farmers faced different problems related to agronomic practices; however, rural farmers faced more problems compared to peri-urban farmers. In terms of strategies, rural farmers emphasized local sourcing for agricultural inputs, while peri-urban farmers emphasized on marketing via mobile phone calls. Both rural and peri-urban farmers suggested that more incentives from the government would be the most effective solution during the post-pandemic time. Rural farmers had more stable rice yields than peri-urban farmers despite making more changes in agronomic activities during the pandemic. Most of the rural farmers changed their fertilizer application techniques and patterns, while majority of the peri-urban farmers changed their seed selection and planting techniques to cope with the pandemic. The findings of the present study will help to formulate strategies to cope with similar situations in the future to ensure food security in the country and livelihood of the farming community.